Book shopping in South America
-
A
-
B
Gandhi Galerna
If you wear black and keep your mouth shut you might pass for one of the local intellectuals, academics, artists and writers who make this bookshop their second home. Among the philosophy and literature volumes, you’ll find tango books and a diverse selection of Latin American music, from rock nacional (Argentine rock) to Brazilian samba.
reviewed
-
C
Kel Ediciones
It’s mostly books in English that you’ll find lining the shelves in this bookstore. Subjects include literature, travel, cooking, philosophy, art, history and religion, along with novels and dictionaries. You might find Lonely Planet guides lining the shelves as well.
reviewed
-
D
Boutique del Libro
Take a break from all that shopping at this little sanctuary, and glance through a book or two. If you don’t read Spanish there are a couple of shelves with quality English titles, and the café in back (with cute outside patio) is a perfect excuse for a sit-down.
reviewed
-
E
Feria de Antiguedades y Libros La Merced
This famous market takes place on weekends and holidays. Despite its reputation, it's a little disappointing. There's a surprising amount of unpolished tat on offer. It's definitely the place to go for good-value second-hand books, though.
reviewed
-
F
Boca do Sapo
This charming used-book and record shop is a good place to browse on a rainy day - or when the sun gets too much. Indie rock, Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), samba and funk are well represented in the music department.
reviewed
-
G
Librería Alberto Casares
This bookstore has been specialising in antique books for collectors and bibliophiles since 1975. It also carries old maps, manuscripts and historical documents; they'll search for a particular item and ship it internationally.
reviewed
-
H
Livraria Cultura
Spread out over three stores on the ground floor of the Conjunto Nacional building, this store is a big favorite with students and intellectuals, and has a large collection of both English-language books and travel guides.
reviewed
-
Artesanía Stalls
For inexpensive souvenirs, scour the Artesanía Stalls behind the main post office. The alleyway is also full of vendors of Spanish-language literature and other books for reasonable and negotiable prices.
reviewed
-
I
Book Market
The cheapest place to browse is the street Book Market, a warren of bookstalls beneath an elevated highway featuring a haphazard range of new and secondhand books in Spanish, including some rare old editions.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Patalibro
Good selection of books on Patagonia in Spanish; some Lonely Planet titles and novels in English. Carries the excellent Sendas Y Bosques park trail maps (AR$15).
reviewed
-
J
Los Amigos del Libro
Stocks the best range of English, French and German paperbacks, plus Bolivian literature and Lonely Planet guides. Several branches including España near Bolívar.
reviewed
-
K
SBS
A large range of novels in English, Lonely Planet guidebooks, maps and wine-related literature. Also TOEFL resources and textbooks for Spanish students.
reviewed
-
L
Tecni-Ciencia Libros, Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco
One of Venezuela's best bookstores, with 10 branches around town. It has well-stocked travel sections with plenty of Lonely Planet titles.
reviewed
-
M
Tecni-Ciencia Libros, Centro Comercial Sambil
One of Venezuela's best bookstores, with 10 branches around town. It has well-stocked travel sections with plenty of Lonely Planet titles.
reviewed
-
Librería de Avila
Booklovers should check out the Librería de Avila, established in 1785 it’s BA’s oldest bookstore.
reviewed
-
N
Libri Mundi
Quito’s best bookstore, with a good selection of titles in English, German, French and Spanish. Lonely Planet guides available.
reviewed
-
O
Librería el Lector
Two-for-one English book exchange and an excellent selection of new local-interest titles, guidebooks and music CDs.
reviewed
-
P
Pomaire
Long-standing art gallery, café and bookstore with monthly exhibits mostly by contemporary Ecuadorian artists.
reviewed
-
Book Market
The place to buy, sell and trade books in English, German, French and other languages. Between Moreno and Montalvo.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
AJC
Offers the biggest selection of books and maps, including Institut Géographique National topographic maps.
reviewed
-
R
El Buscón
Browse-worthy store with strong selection of Venezuelan literature (in Spanish), plus some English novels.
reviewed
-
S
Los Amigos del Libro
Los Amigos del Libro has limited selections of foreign-language books for sale or trade.
reviewed
-
T
Sotavento Libros
Has a good selection of books on local history and literature and a few English-language mystery novels.
reviewed
-
U
Vaco Press
Parbo's best bookshop sells publications in various languages and is the only reliable source for maps.
reviewed
